How to Tow a 7 X 12 Single Axle Trailer
A 7 x 12 single axle trailer is slightly larger than the standard 5 x 10 trailer, but it has a larger carrying capacity. Things you need to know before starting out are the towing capacity of your vehicle, the tongue weight of the vehicle, the type of electrical connection for the vehicle and trailer, the size of the ball hitch on the vehicle and trailer and the max carrying capacity of the trailer. Be sure that the ball hitch sizes of the vehicle and trailer match before beginning this process. The most common ball size is 2 inches.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 7-pin to 4-pin electrical connection adapter
- Cargo net or tarp and load securing cords for an open trailer
- Towing mirrors
Instructions
-
-
1
Back the towing vehicle up to the trailer hitch as close as possible. Lower the trailer hitch onto the ball hitch.
-
2
Hand tighten and lock the trailer hitch onto the ball. Secure the safety chains to the metal rings on the bottom of the receiver hitch. Twist the chains to ensure they do not drag on the ground and attach the right chain to the left hook and the left chain to the right hook.
-
-
3
Connect the electrical pins from the vehicle to the trailer. The vehicle connector is usually located under the receiver hitch close to the ball. If the vehicle connector does not match the trailer connector, use the pin adapter.
-
4
Make sure the electrical connection works. Check the brake lights and turn signals on the trailer by stepping on the brakes and turning on turn signals in the tow vehicle. The trailer lights should come on for each corresponding test.
-
5
Load the trailer. Put the heaviest part of the load in the front of the trailer and distribute the load evenly over the axle.
-
6
Secure the load with tarp and cords if the trailer is an open air trailer. Make sure the load won't shift in transit.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Towing mirrors are a good idea if the load is high and obscures the driver's rearward view.
A spare tire on a single axle trailer is wise.
A lock on the trailer hitch will add security to the towing package.
Make sure all the tires on the towing vehicle and trailer are properly inflated.
Never exceed the max carrying capacity or tongue weight capacity of either the towing vehicle or trailer.
Braking and stopping distances increase when towing a loaded trailer.
Towing speeds should be slow and steady.
References
- Photo Credit Trailer on Grass image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com
